| Getting to know your dog starts by getting to know its | | | | Orange Sable |
| breed, and that includes getting a better idea about its | | | | Parti-color (typically white with other colors) |
| appearance, personality, and health requirements. | | | | Red |
| Here's what you need to know about the Pomeranian: | | | | Red Sable |
| One of the most fascinating aspects of this breed is | | | | Sable |
| that in its much earlier and larger incarnations it was | | | | In addition to the standard 13 colors for the |
| used in Lapland and Iceland for pulling sleds. Eventually, | | | | Pomeranian, the American Kennel Club also |
| the Pomeranian moved on to other regions along the | | | | recognizes the following: |
| Baltic Sea. At this particular time, the breed was still | | | | Beaver |
| used as a working dog but then it started to increase | | | | Brindle |
| in popularity as a family pet. The name given to this | | | | Chocolate Sable |
| dog, which was originally Pommern or Pomore, means | | | | White |
| "on the sea." | | | | Wolf Sable |
| The Pomeranian was introduced into English nobility. | | | | For the Pomeranian to fall within the standards set by |
| While somewhat popular, it became even more so | | | | the American Kennel Club, the dog should be well |
| after Queen Charlotte's granddaughter, Queen Victoria, | | | | proportioned. This means the dainty head cannot be |
| returned from Italy with her new furry friend. Although | | | | too large or small, but must balance well with the body |
| the appearance was much the same, the earlier | | | | type. Additionally, the Pomeranian's legs must be |
| varieties of the Pomeranian were actually larger than | | | | proportionate. In fact, even the breed's expression is to |
| what we see today. | | | | display alertness, intelligence, and pride. |
| This dog belongs to the Spitz family, which includes | | | | Temperament and Personality |
| other breeds such as the Samoyed, Schipperke, and | | | | Like the Chihuahua, the Pomeranian does not realize it |
| even Norwegian Elkhound, which surprises many | | | | is a small dog. With a serious bark (or yelp as some |
| people as they are all considered "toy" breeds due to | | | | may say), the dog is actually a great watchdog. This |
| the small size. Over time, breeders were able to | | | | breed loves its family, enjoying good, quality cuddle |
| fine-tune the Pomeranian, which led to a much better | | | | time. However, it is also an energetic and agile dog that |
| coat and smaller size. In addition, breeding | | | | is relatively easy to train. |
| experimentation provided a greater selection of color | | | | Because of the small body size, the Pomeranian |
| while not interfering with the breed's strong but sweet | | | | makes a great pet for people without a yard or those |
| temperament. | | | | with a small yard. However, because this breed also |
| Physical Appearance | | | | enjoys exercise, it makes a great pet for those who |
| Following the American Kennel Club's standards for | | | | like spending time outdoors. In other words, the |
| the Pomeranian, the average weight is between 3 and | | | | Pomeranian is a versatile dog - perfect for many |
| 7 pounds and height is 8 to 11 inches. The appearance | | | | types of families. |
| of the breed is quite distinct, having a wedge-shaped | | | | Health |
| head. The result of the small body and head is a look | | | | Fortunately, the Pomeranian breed tends to be healthy |
| very similar to that of a fox. In addition, the Pomeranian | | | | but like most other dogs, there are a few possible |
| has small and high set ears and a tail that curls over | | | | health risks. With good care, a dog of this breed could |
| the back while being held tall. | | | | easily live to be 14, 15, 16, or older. Some of the more |
| Although all of these characteristics make the | | | | common concerns with the Pomeranian include a |
| Pomeranian the cute dog it is, the coat is without doubt | | | | Luxating Patella, dry eye, cataracts, and skin ailments. |
| its pride. In fact, this dog has two coats. The first is the | | | | Health risks that are not quite as common would be |
| soft, thick, and fluffy undercoat while the second is the | | | | epilepsy, hypoglycemia, hypothyroidism, and |
| straight and course overcoat. Every year, the male | | | | hydrocephalus. Then on rare occasion, you might find a |
| dog will shed the undercoat, as the female goes into | | | | dog in this category dealing with Hip Dysplasia and |
| heat, once a litter is delivered, and if experiencing too | | | | Legg-Calve Perthes, a degenerative disease of the hip |
| much stress. | | | | joint. Of all possible health risks associated with a |
| As mentioned, breeding has resulted in a wide range | | | | Pomeranian, a collapsed trachea, or heart disease |
| of colors and color combinations - 13 in all. These | | | | known as Patent Ductus Arteriosus are the most |
| options for the Pomeranian include: | | | | serious. |
| Black | | | | It is also important to keep this breed of dog well |
| Black and Tan | | | | groomed. Otherwise, the undercoat can become |
| Blue | | | | tangled, pulling on the skin and causing blood circulation |
| Blue and Tan | | | | problems. Typically, brushing the coat two to three |
| Chocolate | | | | times a week is sufficient. Since this breed of dog is |
| Chocolate and Tan | | | | also prone to dental problems, most veterinarians |
| Cream | | | | recommend brushing, along with regularly scheduled |
| Cream Sable | | | | cleaning, which would be done professionally and under |
| Orange | | | | anesthesia. |